Nation's force won't be ready until at least 2016

1:01 AM,
Apr. 30, 2013

Afghan Air Force Sgt. Razeg fires from an Mi-17 helicopter during a mission from Kabul, Afghanistan.

Written by

Jim Michaels

The Pentagon is accelerating the deployment of mortars and artillery to Afghanistan's fledgling army in an effort to help compensate for the loss of American air power, which has proved devastating against the Taliban over the years.

The loss of American firepower after 2014 will be a key challenge for the Afghan force.